Car wreck claims nursing director’s life

A longtime Albany Medical Center employee died in a three-car crash on a highway in Duanesburg on the morning of Thursday, Dec. 1.

Roslyn L. Labarre, 57, of Howes Cave, was declared deceased at the scene, according to State Police reports, after crashing her Honda CRV into a tractor-trailer.

“We are devastated over here … she was a great woman,” said Nicole Pitaniello, a spokeswoman for Albany Medical Center.

Labarre, called “Lyn” by co-workers, had worked at Albany Medical Center for over 20 years and held numerous leadership roles in the organization. She was a patient care service director and oversaw the emergency medicine, critical care and neuroscience nursing units.

“Lyn was a valued and beloved member of the Albany Med family,” said Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Mary Ellen Plass in a statement. “She epitomized the nursing profession with her patient advocacy, leadership and passion for caring. We are devastated by her passing and keep her family in our thoughts and prayers.”

Festuskmotho Noumgu was driving a tractor-trailer, owned by Werner Enterprises of Nebraska, eastbound on I-88 when he was rear ended by Labarre’s motor vehicle around 7:26 a.m., according to police. Noumgu, 31, was traveling from Pennsylvania to the Golub Corporation in Schenectady.

Police said Noumgu wasn’t injured during the crash.

After Labarre dislodged from the trailer, her vehicle moved into the passing lane and was struck by a Saturn sedan, operated by Bobbi Jo Nelson, 40, of Schoharie. The Saturn became airborne, said police, landing down an embankment on its roof.

Nelson was transported to Albany Medical Center by Rotterdam Emergency Medical Services, said police, and did not sustain life-threatening injuries.

The State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit, the State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit and the State Department of Transportation Motor Carrier Safety Inspection Group are assisting in the investigation.

Police are still investigating the crash, but said it appears Labarre’s “inattention” may have lead to the incident. Police said there are no charges pending against the truck driver.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call the State Police at 630-1700.